Sumino from Solo, Central Java, has shown that a simple commitment can create a greater awareness than we think. Like last year we bring to you the stories and heroes of World Silent Day (WSD) in 2009.

Sumino decided to introduce WSD concept to his family, participate in the event on March 21, 2009 and found various benefits of the simple act of switching off electronic appliances for four hours on that day.

Sumino, who works at LPTP, a rural appropriate technology development group, decided to do gardening on 21 March to mark WSD. He tended and watered flower plants that he had been neglecting, and planted chili seeds. Then he continued cleaning parts of his house until evening. Only his cell phone was put on, while his computer, refrigerator and many other appliances were off not only for four hours but into the evening.

Not only that, Sumino decided to introduce the idea to his his brothers and sisters, his in-laws as well. Some of them participated in WSD. In the next day, Sumino held a family discussion to find out what they felt. Many said the four hours “switch off” is a stimulant. Many members of his family decided to be disciplined in switching off lights when not needed, use the cell phone only when needed, do not use the motorbike to go on short journeys and remind each other if there is a family member who forgot to switch off lights. They are now more aware in their action.

Sumino said the most valuable benefit is  having the time to do something that has been postponed for  a long time.  WSD not only reduces energy consumption, but provides a person with a time to do other important things. The family decides to make this “switching off” a routine habit and agenda. Sumino said, WSD definitely works and can reduce energy consumption at the individual and family level.

Like Sumino,  Waldi Nurhamzah  from Jakarta decided to rescue a plant growing off the wall of the fence in her house. For many months Waldi and her family neglected the backyard garden and then found a plant growing off the wall. She decided to rescue the plant on World Silent Day. A friend uprooted the plant and replanted in an empty space in front of Waldi’s house. She does not know the name of the plant, but a neighbour said that it will grow into a big plant with roots extending everywhere, so it can keep water in the ground.

Yurieca from Bandung, West Java is a talkative person. But she thinks switching off electronic appliances for a day is a great idea. “For me this silence gives me four hours full of activities that requires no electricity. I spent it doing my homework and enjoying some books” she said.

Prasetyo from Yogyakarta said he went to campus on a bike, will turn off his cellphone and notebook and will not get connected  to Facebook all day long. He said this sounded interesting and exciting and hoped it will be held again next year.

Wenny Pramesti from Jakarta believed the idea of WSD it to show that it is possible to take acation and switching off can make a difference on climate change. This is the first time she participated in WSD and so chose a different time set that is switching off from 8 am to 12 noon. She promised herself she will do this one day every month and will save some cost as well. Next step is to adopt recycling in her household Wenny said.

The pioneers of WSD also sent encouraging messages. Yoseph Dwi, our 2008 WSD hero said he circulated the WSD message to many places and saw the notice circulating in some offices. We are sure he has another story of silence this year. Linda in Chicago consistent with last year, turned off her cell phone at 11 a.m to 3 p.m and her computer 10 a.m to 5 p.m. She visited her brother who just had an operation. The WSD wishes him a speedy recovery.

Patricia Noble in New York, who joined the WSD 2008 said she spent  time in her  rock garden,  planning where to  put in herbs and native plants. “I plan on eating my lunch there and being silent. If it’s raining (or snowing) too hard I will stay inside and read Wendell Berry’s Unsettling of America–or another worthy substitute” she said.

The WSD team had also seen various messages and stories in different blogs and had encouraging short text messages. Victor from California said “coming from Bali, the message of silence by switching off makes sense”.

Once again, you all have taken a journey into silence, given the earth a breathing space. We hope you continue this journey in 2010 and beyond!!

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